The 73rd Red Bluff Bull and Gelding Sale culminated Saturday in the bull sale, which attracts thousands across the region to the Tehama District Fairground.

The sale, which had 431 bulls entered and 318 sold, managed to top $1 million for the fourth straight year. The sale generated $1.03 million, which was down from last year's $1.2 million.

Bull sale manager Adam Owens said he was a bit nervous about bull prices going into Saturday, but those fears were quashed when the average price managed to top last year's number.

"That was a relief for sure," Owens said.

Bulls sold for an average price of about $3,264, a bit higher than last year's $3,237 average. The total bulls sold this year, however, was lower; 318 compared to last years 378.

Owens said while the drought has affected the industry, prices are also at an all-time high due to a cattle shortage.

"You're seeing those two forces sort of balance each other out," he said, adding that if there had been an average amount of rainfall at this point, "we may have seen some phenomenal prices."

The highest price bid was for Cardey Ranch's champion range ready Angus, which went for $8,700. The bull's consignors were Don and Diana Cardey of Turlock.

The Red Bluff Bull Sale, described as the "largest gathering of Cattlemen west of the Rockies," brings "progressive minded breeders and buyers together at an event that has become multidimensional over the years," according to its website.

On Friday, the gelding sale generated $463,400 with an average price of $6,018.

The highest price bid went to Nancy Tingley's 2007 Buckskin "Yellow Texas Star," which sold for $28,500.

"That's not the highest we've ever had, but it's pretty high up there," Owens said.

He added that horses showed well and commanded good money, which captures people's attention.

Five mules were also sold at an average price of $4,980. The mule sale generated $24,900.

Owens said attendance was good in the lead up to the weekend, which also saw good weather.

A puppy, however, generated $13,000 through nine donations for the nonprofit Water for Life organization, which works to protect and promote agricultural water rights and advocates for responsible land stewardship.

---------Sports Editor Andre Byik can be reached at 527-2151, ext. 111 or atsports@redbluffdailynews.com. Follow him on Twitter: @TehamaSports